AF2025 convenes for long-term Agri sector plan

‘Team Agriculture’.  Major players in the country's agriculture and fishery sectors show their commitment and dedication in uplifting the lives of the backbone of the country as they come together in their unprecedented and biggest gathering, the Agriculture and Fisheries 2025 (AF2025). In the photo from left to right are Mr. Roberto Amores, Chairperson of TF on Fruits and Vegetables; Dr. Rolando Dy, Chairperson of TF on Commercial Crops; Dr. Ernesto Odoñez, Private Sector Over-all Representative; Dr. Cielito Habito, Convenor; Senator Francis Pangilinan, Chairperson of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM); Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala; Congressman Mark Mendoza, Co-chairperson of the COCAFM; Mr. Romeo Royandoyan, Chaiperson of TF on Rice and Other Staples; Mr. Arsenio Tanchuling, Chairperson of TF on Fisheries and Aquaculture; and Atty. Elias Jose Inciong, Chairperson of TF on Poultry, Livestock and Corn.


Major players in the agriculture and fishery sectors addressed issues on agriculture, food security and competitiveness of the agri-fisheries sector when they convened for Agriculture and Fisheries 2025 (AF2025) Mid-Year Conference: Assessment and Ways Forward last October 7 at Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC) Auditorium, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

Led by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala, Congressional Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM) Chairperson Senator Francis Pangilinan and COCAFM Co-chairperson Congressman Mark Mendoza, together with private sector overall representative Ernesto Ordoñez, and champions from the agriculture, fisheries and agribusiness sectors met to follow up the progress of agencies and subsectors since their initial gathering last February.

During the mid-year conference, updates from each subsector were presented. Roadmaps were also fleshed out in an assessment workshop with AF2025 principals Secretary Alcala, Senator Pangilinan and Congressman Mendoza.

Secretary Alcala stated that the target year for achieving rice self sufficiency is 2013, and the department extensively promotes other staples such as cassava, white corn, sweet potato and adlay to achieve this.

The agriculture secretary also said that to increase the income of farmers, DA interventions like irrigation, training for farmers, improvement of seed varieties and provision of farm machineries are being implemented.

 “The P150M budget for Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation can accommodate 150T farmer beneficiaries. This can increase to 300T if the LGU can provide equity,” he added addressing farmers’ access to affordable credit and insurance.

He furthered that there are on-going assessment studies being conducted on the establishment of municipal fish ports with post harvest facilities, and the approval of the project proposal on upgrading and rehabilitation of the Navotas Fishing Port Complex shall be followed up with the National Economic Development Authority.


“The rehabilitation and upgrading of the Navotas Fishing Port Complex is already included in the 2012 DA budget under the foreign-assisted projects,” Senator Pangilinan added.

Meanwhile, to address export potentials of the poultry and livestock sector, the department will pursue the establishment of Triple A slaughterhouses.

Congressman Mendoza also confirmed that the Genetic Bill has been approved by the House Committee on Agriculture and will be followed up by his office.

The AF2025 was able to determine strategies and priority activities and form task forces to address the needs of the five agriculture subsectors of rice, poultry, livestock and yellow corn, fisheries, fruits and vegetables, and commercial crops.

See also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/AF2025.html

Ormoc City hosts 2nd RAFC Consultative Meeting

RAFC chairpersons, coordinators, DA-RFU VIII personnel, NAFC staff and guests pose for a
group photo during the 2nd RAFC Consultative Meeting held from October 19 to 21 in Ormoc City.

The second national Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) consultative meeting cum summit, held last October 19 to 21 at Sabin Resort Hotel in Ormoc City, Leyte, brought together the 16 RAFC chairpersons and coordinators from all over the country, along with resource persons, guests, Department of Agriculture (DA)-Regional Field Unit (RFU) VIII personnel and NAFC staff.

RAFC chairperson Edgardo C. Codilla of Region VIII and current national president of the RAFC Association of the Philippines, in collaboration with the DA Regional Office, played host to the three-day national RAFC consultative meeting which coincided with Ormoc City’s 64th Charter Day Celebration.

Welcoming the guests and participants were Ormoc City Mayor Eric C. Codilla and DA-RFU VIII Executive Director Antonio G. Gerundio. Both government officials acknowledged the vital role of the AFC network  in the implementation of the national and local agri-fishery programs all geared towards food security, increase rural income, sustainable development and monitoring of DA programs and projects.

The highlights of the meeting include, among others, the presentation, discussion and ratification of the Revised Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) Manual; review of DA and AFC accomplishment reports; and, discussion on the most pressing issues and concerns relative to the legislative priority agenda and DA’s various programs and projects such as The Agri-Pinoy Farm mechanization, Post Harvest Development Program, NAFC Special Vehicle Loan Program and the Organic Agriculture Program.

RAFC Chairperson Codilla said that the consultation was aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and responsibility in the implementation of the various agriculture and fishery programs in the country. 

He added that as private-led volunteer organizations, the AFCs will assist in the monitoring and advocacy of the agricultural programs and activities. 

“To empower and further enhance their (AFCs) effectiveness and responsiveness, they need to regularly solicit feedbacks, suggestions and recommendation from their ranks in order to participate and effectively and efficiently manage DA programs and projects,” he emphasized.

He further stated that under his leadership, he will see to it that the AFCs take a solid and clear direction and become true partners of agriculture development that will continue and expand programs and projects to better serve the needs of the farmers, fisher and the livestock raiser.

The consultative meeting ended with a short visit to the New Ormoc City Hall located at Y. Aunubling Street, Government Center of Ormoc.

RAFC Chairperson Edgardo C.Codilla leads the three-day consultative meeting. 

NAF Council Meeting centers on AFMP 2011-2016 framework

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, the NAF Council chairperson, presides the council meeting on October 10 that aimed to garner the input and support of the council members for the AFMP 2011-2016.

Being the consultative and feedback mechanism for development dialogue, the National Agricultural and Fisheries Council (NAF Council) held a meeting last October 10, 2011 at the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Convention Hall for the presentation of the framework for the crafting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (AFMP) 2011-2016.The meeting also aimed at getting the council members’ inputs and commitment to support this undertaking.

More than 100 representatives from different private and government agencies, including some invited guests, attended the meeting which was presided by the council chairperson, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. Ms. Nieva Natural, OIC Director of DA Planning Service, led the presentation of the AFMP framework and guidelines.

The AFMP will serve as the master plan to spur growth and modernization of the sector. Its formulation is in accordance with Section 13 of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) of 1997.

The purpose of the updated AFMP 2011-2016 is to operationalize Chapter 4 of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 and translate into more specific terms the principles and practices in Agri-Pinoy 2011 which is the Aquino Administration’s overall strategic framework guiding the various services and programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Alongside DA Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup, Secretary Alcala gathered inputs and comments from the rest of the council members as well as the invited guests who were present at the meeting.

The body also gave their commitment and support in the crafting of the AFMP. Sec. Alcala then requested the Department Secretaries and the Leagues to issue a memorandum to their respective regional or provincial offices to join the regional and provincial planning teams that the DA-Regional Field Units will organize.

Over 100 representatives from private and government agencies gather at the NAF Council Meeting at the FPA Convention Hall that served as avenue to present the AFMP 2011-2016 framework.

See also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/afmp.html

NAFC sponsors educational tour of 2011 WFD poster-making contest winners

2011 World Food Day poster-making contest winners learn significant facts about the
 history of the Philippines as they tour around the National Museum.

In sponsorship of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), the winners of the 2011 World Food Day Poster-Making Contest were able to visit and enjoy the scenic sights of some of the tourist spots and historic sites within Metro Manila during their educational tour from October 15 to 17.

Among the places they visited were Museo Pambata, National Museum, Rizal Park, Manila Ocean Park, Manila Zoo, Fort Santiago and the ABS-CBN Studios during the three-day excursion. They also had the chance to sit as live audience of ABS-CBN’s noontime show “Happy Yippee Yehey”.

The on-the-spot poster-making contest among 17 regional elementary pupils nationwide was held last October 12 at the Department of Agriculture (DA) Business Center in light of this year’s World Food Day theme “Food prices-from crisis to stability”.

The five national winners were Chynee Nikole Roxas of Bayombong Central School-SPED Center, Nueva Vizcaya; CJ Jurilla of Ticud Elem. School, Iloilo City; Neil John Bajao of City Central School-SPED, Cagayan de Oro City; Lucilo Vince Lapiz of Sto. Tomas Central Elementary School-SPED Center, Davao del Norte; and, Alden Mark Onggos of East Bayugan City Central Elem. School, Agusan del Sur.


The said all-expense paid educational tour is part of the prize of the winning students, along with P15,000 cash and a plaque each.After enjoying the sight of the different marine creatures living in Manila Ocean Park, the five poster-making contest winners and their guardians smilingly pose for a souvenir group photo. 

See also : http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/wfdt.html

NAFC showcases programs for young farmers at IFAD’s KLM5

Together with their friends, young farmer entrepreneurs Ben David Luis (far left), Calma Arcala (middle) and Raffy Espiritu (far right) flash their smiles as they pose for a group photo at NAFC’s booth before IFAD’s 5th Knowledge  and Learning Market formally opens.

The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) grabbed the chance to showcase two of its programs—the Young Farmers Program (YFP) and Young Filipino Farmers Training Program in Japan (YFFTPJ)—during the 5th Knowledge and Learning Market (KLM5)of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) last October 19 and 20.

The two-day event, with the theme “Gender and Youth: Innovative Waves in Rural Development,” was held at the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) grounds.

NAFC was among the government agencies that joined the event, along with NGOs, academic institutions, and IFAD-funded projects. Each booth showcased different products and information materials that were open to participants.

Giving life to NAFC’s booth were three of the beneficiaries of the YFP: Mr. Raffy Espiritu from La Union, Ms Calma Arcala of Nueva Vizcaya and Mr. Ben David Luis of Benguet who all came from their respective hometowns with their products such as peanut butter and mushrooms.

YFP Batch 3 member Raffy Espiritu proudly describes the process he adopts in making peanut butter as representatives from
DA, DAR, DTI, UN Women, and IFAD visit NAFC’s booth during the 5th Knowledge  and Learning Market.

See also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/ifad.html

NAFC conducts on-site validation of 2012 YFFTPJ nominees

NAFC employees pose with locals of Ballesteros town in Cagayan for a group photo during their on-site validation of 2012 YFFTPJ nominee Rodrigo Alupani.

Fourteen officials and staff of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) conducted on-site validation/evaluation of the 19 nominees of the 2012 batch of the Young Filipino Farmers Training Program in Japan (YFFTPJ) from October 10 to 14, 2011.

These 19 individuals are exam passers in their respective regions and were carefully selected by the YFFTPJ National Selection Committee.

Said NAFC personnel visited the residences of the nominees in different areas in Regions II, IV, VI, VIII, IX, X, CAR and CARAGA.

The nominees were evaluated based on their farming experience, farm operation, trainings and regional examination results.

Together with local officials of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, NAFC’s Stakeholders Extension Section OIC Solidad Bernardo pays a visit to YFFTPJ nominee Elias Calansi’s flower farm.

2012 YFFTPJ nominee Virgilio Ryan Sambo of Baggao, Cagayan proudly shows to the visiting NAFC evaluators some of the pigs he painstakingly raises.

YFFTPJ is a program that NAFC, in collaboration with the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) and the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, has been implementing since 1991 which aims to provide modern Japanese farming techniques to deserving young Filipino farmers who are out-of-school youth with age 20-26 years old.

It specifically seeks to provide technical knowledge and skills in agricultural and cooperative management; offer opportunities for an exchange of agricultural information of mutual interest among participants; and, provide opportunity for Filipino farmers to imbibe Japanese work values and attitudes.

After a 60-day Home Stay Training Module and a 75-day Pre-departure Orientation Course, selected young farmers will fly to Japan to undergo 11-month on-farm training under Japanese host farmers of the JAEC.

See also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/nominees.html